Washington, Sep 16 (DPA) A Republican lawmaker was censured Tuesday in the US House of Representatives for shouting 'you lie' during President Barack Obama's speech on health care last week before a joint session of Congress.

The formal rebuke against Congressman Joe Wilson was approved 240-179, largely along party lines. Democrats argued the move was necessary because Wilson had refused to apologize for his outburst on the floor of the chamber. Republicans slammed it as a partisan stunt.

Wilson shouted 'you lie' during Obama's address Sep 9, after the Democratic president said his plans for health care reform would not cover illegal immigrants.

Wilson apologized to Obama's chief of staff hours after the outburst and Obama accepted the apology. Democrats had insisted Wilson apologize formally to the entire chamber.